The global spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has been a significant challenge for our members and society as a whole. It is a challenge we must tackle together as our province grapples with a devastating fourth wave.

UFCW Local 401 members serve and interact with the public, and in many cases work on the front line of Alberta’s food and services systems. As a union, we know what it takes to stand together to tackle a shared problem; it’s what we do.

From the start of the pandemic, we’ve been working around the clock to support UFCW Local 401 union members, ensure their health and safety, and have their extraordinary sacrifices and contributions recognized. Our website has been a valuable tool in getting information out to both the public and our members. This page is our information hub on COVID-19.

Here is where you can find:

• Resources on financial information and health support available to UFCW Local 401 members
• A reminder of where you can find up-to-date information on actions we’ve taken to press employers and governments to support workers during COVID-19
• Access to several media reports where we’ve been bringing forward the voices of our exceptional members
• General information sourced from governments, agencies, and health authorities

FINANCIAL AND HEALTH SUPPORT

While many UFCW Local 401 members continue to work on the front lines of the situation surrounding COVID-19, there may be circumstances where you are suddenly unable to work.

Depending on where you work, you may have access to paid leave or other financial support through your union contract or in your employer’s response to the COVID-19 situation. But this won’t apply to some workplaces.

We’ve put together answers to members’ questions and key resources for some of the most common situations we’ve encountered over the past months. We also include resources for other kinds of support, including WCB coverage, mental health resources, housing rights, and benefits information.

Action

COVID-19 has impacted our members in many ways. There have been widespread outbreaks at many of the workplaces we represent, including well-documented cases at the Cargill and Olymel meatpacking plants. Some workplaces have had to shut down and implement layoffs, while many others have not only continued to operate but have greatly increased their operations to meet customer demands.

Whether on lay-off or working overtime, we will continue fighting for our members.

We’ve been pressing employers and governments to step up and provide support to members and continually implement new and more effective health and safety protections.

Voice

Serving on the frontlines of our country’s food and services industries, our members have often provided key necessities for life and basic human rights to people throughout the pandemic.

There have been countless stories in the media featuring our members’ workplaces and industries, and we’re glad that UFCW Local 401 members are finally getting the recognition they’ve always deserved for the hard work they do, bringing food, healthcare, education, and much more to the lives of Albertans.

We should be proud of the work we do.

We’ve joined in that conversation, with UFCW Local 401 President, Thomas Hesse, and members speaking up to ensure the voices of Alberta’s workers are at the forefront of the public conversation on how we overcome this challenge.

General Resources

There has been a lot of information circulating in the media and beyond concerning the global spread of COVID-19. We strongly urge members to rely upon primary and authoritative sources of information, particularly those from health professionals and organizations that specialize in matters concerning infection prevention and control.

Alberta Government Resources

Coronavirus (COVID-19) information for Albertans – Learn about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19)
Chief Medical Officer Updates – Learn about actions being taken to protect the health of Albertans.
Infection Prevention and Control – Learn how to prevent and control infections in your home, at work, at school or even in a hospital. Find resources for health professionals.

Alberta Health Services

811 Health Link is available 24 hours per day, seven days per week and is your best source of health information. Just dial 811 on your phone. We also strongly recommend using the Alberta government’s self-assessment tool.
Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Information and guidance from AHS
Frequently Asked Questions

Workers’ Compensation Board

Check out our support page on frequently asked questions around workers’ compensation issues related to COVID-19
WCB’s COVID-19 page
News and announcements from the Workers’ Compensation Board
WCB’s Fact Sheet for Workers on when “reactions to vaccination” are covered.
WCB’s Fact Sheet for Employers on when “reactions to vaccination” need to be reported.

Federal Government Resources

Federal Government COVID-19 Information Site – Key information and updates from the Federal government covering travel and other concerns.
Employment Insurance Benefits information – How to apply and COVID-19 adjustments

Employer-Specific Information

We have received many requests from members looking for information specific to their workplaces. Feel free to reach out to us directly for the most current policies affecting your worksite at ufcw@ufcw401.ab.ca.